Vendor Spotlight: Space Fruit Truck 👽🍊 (Interview)
The past two years, Space Fruit Truck has consistently been one of our most highly requested vendors. Curious to learn more, we reached out to Space Fruit Co-Founder Bri Schott to hear their story. It's an interesting one 😊
Hey Bri! Who makes up the Space Fruit team?
Yeah, hi! My business partner Kelvin and I own the business together. We have a few consistent employees and one trailer, so most of the time there's about 3-4 of us that run around. When we travel to a festival like Backwoods, we bring some friends and volunteers so there's usually around 5-6 of us.
What made you and Kelvin want to start the company?
Kelvin's father and his roommate from college invented the recipe for Space Fruit decades ago. They started a facility in Florida to start producing it a little over 3 years ago, and the whole idea was to supply kids in Florida public and charter schools with Space Fruit. That's something that we're still doing that to this day. Kelvin and I have a huge passion for music and the festival scene, so we thought it would be a cool idea to combine that love with this really unique product that we had access to. It really just started out as a fun concept that has since taken off.
That's amazing. So unless you are an elementary schooler or a festival attendee... you can't get Space Fruit anywhere else in the world?
That's right! There's actually only one machine in the world that is capable of doing what we do to our oranges, and it's located in Southern Central Florida. All of our oranges come right off the local farms, they are frozen at extremely low temperatures at our factory so when our customers get it the fruit is still really fresh and nutritious. If you haven't had Space Fruit before, you can think of it as a healthy fruit version of Dippin' Dots.
What does your menu look like?
You can order a bowl of Space Fruit as it is, or you can get it in a smoothie... we've gotten a great response from the smoothies since we started doing those. We're also experimenting with a new product called "Cosmic Cold Brew," which is coffee brewed with our frozen citrus... so stay tuned for that 😊
And the price typically?
Anywhere from $5 to $9! Depending on what you order.
When did you start touring music festivals?
When we started out, we really didn't have any idea how to get into the festival touring scene. We literally started out by handing out free samples at gas stations off the side of the road in Southern Florida. That was around three years ago, and around two years ago we began seriously traveling to festivals around the Country. This last year was our busiest year yet, so we're just hoping to keep the ball rolling and continue growing!
It's crazy that in only two years time you've been able to grow such a loyal fanbase. Why do you think people have become so attached to the brand?
It's really humbling because like I said, we started out literally begging people to try free samples at gas stations. It's hard to say, but I think being real with people, being open, and focusing on the community over the business agenda has been really important for us. Your customers can tell if you're honest, genuine, and if you care, so we try to be as authentic as possible. On top of that, having a unique product has helped us too. It took a lot of people saying "no, what the heck is that!" in order to get one or two people to say yes, but over time that is what's gotten us to where we are today. If Kelvin were here, he would agree that the free samples have been really crucial.
How would you describe the atmosphere at Backwoods?
We absolutely love it. Our first year was 2018. We got hit with a lot of rain that year, but that's partially what made us fall in love with the community. Seeing everyone smiling, and enjoying themselves through it all made us realize how amazing the Backwoods community is. Everyone is super friendly and full of good vibes, it's just like a big family. The festival is also a very eclectic: there's a wide variety of music, people, and art, so diversity is something that runs deep at Backwoods. There's a lot of curiosity and discovery and I think that fits well with our story and product.
Last question: is there anything else you would like to say to your friends at Backwoods?
Oh man, just thank you from all of us. It's so humbling and so rewarding to feel the love every year. We are so grateful for anyone who's even simply tried a free sample of Space Fruit. We hope to keep coming back with more fruit for people to enjoy.
We hope to see you again at Backwoods 2020!
Thanks so much! We can't wait to be back.
Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain is happening June 4-7, 2020 in Ozark, AR. Tickets are on sale now! Click here 👈
Everything You Need to Know About Volunteering at Backwoods
📸: Alyssa Schwalm
Interested in Volunteering?!
Our volunteers are an important part of our family, and they play a crucial role in making Backwoods an amazing experience every year! Volunteers attend the festival for free, make new friends and connections, and and learn valuable industry skills.
Volunteer Duties
On-site at Backwoods, our volunteers help out in almost every single one of our departments. Whether it's scanning tickets at the front gate, keeping the festival grounds clean, or manning our merch tent - there's a lot to learn volunteering at Backwoods!
Volunteers helped keep Mulberry Mountain clean at Backwoods 2019. 📸: Blake Hondermann.
Official Details
Volunteers must provide a Ticket Deposit, refunded after the festival.
Volunteers must provide a non-refundable Application Processing Fee.
All volunteers will be required to be on site by Wednesday at 12:00 noon for training.
Volunteers shall be required to work a minimum of 24 hours at the event in shifts of 6 hours per day over 4 days (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
Volunteers shall be 16 years of age or older and sign a Liability Release Waiver. For those under the age of 18, a parent or guardian of legal age must sign the Liability Release Waiver on the minor's behalf.
Where to Apply
If you would like to volunteer at Backwoods, we are accepting applications NOW! Please note that volunteer spots are limited and on a first come first serve basis. Applications close leading up to the festival, so get your application in today!
You can fill out an application online by clicking here.
We'll see you at Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain, in Ozark, AR 💚
Inside Backwoods Workshops: Interview with Aubrey Warren
Workshop Instructor Applications for Backwoods 2020 are now open online!
Click this link to apply now: http://bit.ly/bw2020-workshops
If you didn't know, Aubrey Warren organizes our workshops every year and she's an amazing member of our team. We caught up with her to talk about Backwoods 2020 and here's what she had to say:
Hey Aubrey, how's it going!
Great! Thanks for asking :)
In case some readers don't know, you've been a yoga instructor for a long time. How did you first get into yoga?
I had chronic bladder infections my senior year of college(2001). After a year on antibiotics, Igot frustrated with western medicine and sought out an easternpractitioner. Dr. Lee was the firstperson to ask me what was going on in my personal life and what I was puttinginto my body. THIS question wasEVERYTHING! I used to be 50 poundsheavier and in attempts to get skinny, I was addicted to Metabolife, theephedra-based diet pill that’s illegal now. Dr. Lee suggested I get off the pills, clean up my nutrition & startpracticing yoga. After 6 months ofpracticing twice a week, my bladder infections were gone, and I was no longerneeding the asthma medications I had been on since my youth. Knowing I had to share this magic with others,I started my Yoga Teacher Training the following year.
So once your training was over, when did you start teaching?
I taught my first yoga class in October 2003. I’ve spent the past 16 years teaching inmultiple gyms and yoga studios throughout Dallas-Fort Worth. Over the past 3 years, I’ve become aCertified Yoga Education Provider, which gives me tremendous joy! Being a teacher of teachers is a differentbeast. It’s one thing to teach poses ona yoga mat - it takes a heightened level of knowledge and expierence inyogic-philosophy to make it come alive and become applicable for those lookingto teach this practice to others. Forwhat you physically see on the mat barely scratches the surface of what is trueyoga.
How were you first introduced to Backwoods?
This is kinda a long story, so I’ll do my best to share the“Cliff’s Notes.” Without knowing thefull story, though, it’s hard to understand why this festival is so special tome…
We had our first son in 2007 and our 2nd in 2009, and I lostmyself in motherhood. Our marriage wasin trouble. In attempts to heal what wasbroken, we left our little boys with grandma and grandpa for our 1st camping musicfestival – Wakarusa, 2012. Itworked. Through letting go of our socialroles and getting lost in the music and the community, it was like we had yearsof therapy in one weekend. Recognizingthe magic that occurred and the value of the investment, we committed toattending annually to intentionally keep our relationship-fire burning.
At the last Wakarusa (2015), I had a vision of teaching yogathere – but when the festival “died” my heart was broken. All the while, I was stagnant in my career. Every day I would pray to Spirit, “Show me thenext right step.” During meditation Iwould hear, “You’re supposed to be teaching on a different platform,” and oneday that message was followed by a flash of that vision at Wakarusa. Maybe THAT is the platform. I said a prayer, wrote it down and opened myheart to the idea of being a Music Festival Yoga Teacher. Weeks later I got a Facebook message from afesty-friend who’s a hoop instructor. She got booked to teach hoop at Middlelands, produced by InsomniacEvents in Texas, and that they were looking for a yoga instructor. By the end of the day, I was booked for my1st festival teaching gig. When itlanded in my lap, I knew something bigger than myself was behind it all.
At the last Wakarusa (2015), I had a vision of teaching yoga there – but when the festival “died” my heart was broken. All the while, I was stagnant in my career. Every day I would pray to Spirit, “Show me the next right step.” During meditation I would hear, “You’re supposed to be teaching on a different platform,” and one day that message was followed by a flash of that vision at Wakarusa. Maybe THAT is the platform. I said a prayer, wrote it down and opened my heart to the idea of being a Music Festival Yoga Teacher. Weeks later I got a Facebook message from a festy-friend who’s a hoop instructor. She got booked to teach hoop at Middlelands, produced by Insomniac Events in Texas, and that they were looking for a yoga instructor. By the end of the day, I was booked for my 1st festival teaching gig. When it landed in my lap, I knew something bigger than myself was behind it all.
I taught at 3 festivals in 2017. When Backwoods announced taking over MulberryMountain, I KNEW I had to be involved. Iapplied online. I visualized myselfteaching on the mountain daily. A fewmonths before Backwoods, I still hadn’t heard anything back, so I starteddigging. I eventually got connected withJavier, one of the executive producers, and poured my heart into an email. He replied saying they already had a coupleinstructors booked, but that he could feel my passion and genuine desire toserve and would make space for me on the lineup.
After Backwoods 2018 was over, I reached out to Javier expressing what I thought we did awesomely and what we could do better in 2019. I ended my email with the following statement, “So you’re left with this decision. Either bring me back to teach a couple of classes next year or hire me to coordinate a full workshop lineup for you.”
What are your plans for Backwoods 2020?
I was honestly extremely satisfied with our 2019 workshopexecution and lineup. It’s my prayerthat we do just as good, if not better. Weare a growing festival, still doing our best to identify exactly where fundsshould be allocated to make the best expierence possible. We LOVED having ENDo’s sponsorship last yearand are currently in negotiation to see what we can manifest together nextyear. Stay tuned!
I was honestly extremely satisfied with our 2019 workshop execution and lineup. It’s my prayer that we do just as good, if not better. We are a growing festival, still doing our best to identify exactly where funds should be allocated to make the best expierence possible. We LOVED having ENDo’s sponsorship last year and are currently in negotiation to see what we can manifest together next year. Stay tuned!
Are you looking for anything particular for next year?
Yes! I was a film major at TCU who specialized in casting. While I was dealing with those bladder infections, I was working on casting TV commercials. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would end up back in casting, but workshop coordination is a lot like casting a show. I have an idea of the offerings I want to provide and I’m simply looking for the best fits for the job.
To all those applying, consider the “Yoga Teacher” rolealready cast. That’s me. I know there are a LOT of aspiring yogiswanting their opportunity to share their passions, so I’m challenging YOU to becreative with how you package your teachings. If you a pitch anything that feels like vinyasa or hatha yoga, you won’tget selected. Please remember, I wasn’tjust hired to be the Workshop Coordinator, but also the Resident YogaInstructor.
The roles I’m looking to cast:
- Laughter Yoga
- Partner Yoga – Acro and/or Thai Massage
- Flow Arts – hula hoop, poi, etc
- Other Energy & Conscious Movement Practices– Tai Chi, Chi Gong, Contact Improv etc (Not just ecstatic dance. We do that naturally during DJ sets.)
- Breath work / Pranayama / Chanting
- Sound Healing – gong, singing Bowls, etc
- Mind-expanding, wisdom-sharing information! (Workshops from last year: Intro to PlantMedicines, Spiritual Alchemy, Intro to Astrology). Please Note – I will not accept workshoppresenters who have not presented this content elsewhere. This isn’t the platform to test yourcontent. Go practice teaching, thenapply!
Who I’m looking for:
- People with the desire and intention to serve, who would pay to attend Backwoods otherwise.
- People enthusiastic about the following energetic exchange:
- Teach 2 workshops = Receive 1 Artist Pass
- Teach 3 workshops = Receive 1 Artist Pass + 1 GA ticket
- Teach 5 workshops = Receive 2 Artists Passes
- Artist Passes include = Artists’ area camping, Hospitality access (meals, drinks, etc), Showers
How can people apply to get involved?
Just fill out the application. PS – EVERYONE needs to apply, even if you taught at Backwoods 2019. Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/bw2020-workshops
Sounds great! Let's end on this: what’s your favorite thing about Backwoods?
The venue, community & team. Let me elaborate.
Venue: I appreciate live music anywhere, however I’m partial to events in nature. There’s nothing more healing than dancing your butt off to your favorite band, knowing the trees and Mother Nature will be there to sooth your nervous system when it’s all over. The Mulberry Mountain Magic is REAL! As you drive up the mountain, you slowly lose contact with the outside world digitally, sucking you into a different dimension – the mystical vortex that is Mulberry Mountain. Dude, did you know that quartz crystals fill the earth in Arkansas? So it’s not just the fresh air, the foliage, the breathtaking vistas, the river and the waterfall – there are minerals deep within the earth heightening every experience. Google “Healing qualities of Quartz Crystals” if you’re wanting to learn more on this!
Community & Team: As the Backwoods 2019 team was forming, it was apparent how many of us were a part of the old Wakarusa community. It blew my mind how many of us were all at Waka 2012. It’s almost like Waka died so we, the community, people who love Mulberry Mountain, could create something new – TOGETHER! I am incredibly grateful that Will and Javier, our executive producers, made the brilliant move to shift Backwoods to our current location. And lastly, I’m crazy proud to work along-side so many huge-hearted, passionate souls whose hearts are all in the right place. They’ve found passionate freaks like me to utilize our expertise to create a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Awesome Aubrey. We're all excited to see what you put together for next year... thank you for your time!
My pleasure. I can't wait for Backwoods 2020 :)
Thank You.
From the entire staff at Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain, thank you. Looking back on this year's festival, we laughed, we cried, we danced, and so much more. It was a magical experience and we can not wait to see you all again next year! ☀️
Ride a Helicopter at Backwoods 2019! (Interview)
Recently we got to catch up with Chuck, who runs Tulsa County Helicopters in Tulsa, OK. Tulsa County Helicopters will be on-site at Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain 2019, giving people rides all weekend long!
Hey Chuck, how's it going?
I'm doing great! Getting ready for an amazing weekend at Backwoods. Yourself?
Same here! Tell us about your company Tulsa County Helicopters.
My buddy and I started Tulsa County Helicopters eleven years ago: we had just graduated flight school, and were were trying to find a way to continue flying. All we had was a rented helicopter, an E-Z up tent, and my pickup truck. We would drive around and offer helicopter rides at pretty much any large outdoor gathering we could find… since then, we’ve bought our own helicopter, and built a successful commercial business out of it. We fly every day from our home base of operations in Tulsa, but we still travel to outdoor festivals like Backwoods. That’s how we first got started, and we like to stay true to our roots.
How did your relationship with Backwoods start?
We first started offering our rides at Backwoods when the festival was in Stroud, OK. The problem was, there was not a whole lot to see out there besides the venue itself. We still had a great time out there regardless, but I was ecstatic when they moved the festival to Mulberry Mountain. You can't find any better views than on Mulberry - it’s seriously our favorite place to fly!
Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain 2019 is less than 2 weeks away! When will you be there?
We will be out there on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Each day we’ll be flying from around noon until the sun sets.
How can people book a ride with you?
Well the process is about as simple and straightforward as you can get… all you have to do is show up at our tent! If you don’t know where that is, check the 2019 festival map. If there’s no line, we will get you right on-board. It’s first come first serve.
What's the best time to fly?
Well, everyone wants to get their ride in during sunset. It’s beautiful, but that’s also when the line starts to get really really long. If you really want to fly at that time, plan appropriately and show up early. Other than that, anytime when there is no line is the best time to fly!
Very good to know. How long are the rides typically?
The rides are six minutes long. That may seem pretty short, but what’s great about Mulberry Mountain is a six minute ride there is worth more than a thirty minute ride anywhere else. There’s so much natural beauty to see over there… as soon as we pick up and I clear the tree line, that’s when everybody gets their “aha” moment. When people are driving to the venue, it’s impossible to take in all of the beauty of the scenery. Once you take them above the tree line, it’s a whole different world. That’s when it really hits them.
Are the helicopter rides awesome?
Oh yeah, it’s a fantastic time. I usually play “welcome to the jungle” when I’m flying, so that should give you an idea of the mood. Not once in our eleven years of doing this have we ever had anyone say “I wish I hadn’t done that”. Sometimes it’s like a roller coaster ride, other times it’s peaceful. There are exciting parts to it, and there are tranquil parts to it. In six minutes, it covers just about every emotion you have.
How much will the rides be this year?
Rides are still $40 per person. There’s a small surcharge if you use a card, so I recommend paying in cash if you have it.
I’m sure people at Backwoods will want to go with their friends… how many people can go up in the helicopter at one time?
We can fit three passengers at a time!
Where can people find you on the internet?
Our website is www.tulsaheli.com, and we also have a Facebook page and a YouTube channel. At the festival, you can find us at our tent. (Again, if you don’t know where the tent is, check the 2019 festival map!)
We can’t wait! Thanks for taking the time. Anything else to add?
We’re looking forward to seeing everybody back on the mountain again! We’re ready to have a great time :)
Thanks to Chuck for doing this interview!
If you haven't gotten your tickets yet for Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain 2019, CLICK HERE 👉 http://bit.ly/backwoods-tix
Feast Your Eyes On The 2019 Shakedown Street Lineup! (Complete Vendor List)
We understand that at Backwoods, eating delicious food and finding unique souvenirs to cherish for years to come is an important part of the Backwoods experience. This year, we've gone completely over the top with our vendors… and we can't wait for you to to see for yourselves!
We've secured over 80 highly regarded, local and national vendors this year for our vendor area we've called "Shakedown Street": Everything from craft beer, to hydration packs, fruit pearls, to tacos... we've got you covered. You can even scoop up a hammock for your campsite to take naps in between sets 😴
Less than 3 weeks until Backwoods 2019!
Grab your last minute tickets here: http://bit.ly/backwoods-tix
Your Official Festival Map for Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain 2019! 🗺
Here it is! Your official festival map for Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain 2019... where will you be at this year?! Leave a comment below and let us know.
(4) Unique Stages:
- The Motherland Stage
- Globe Theater
- Aqua Station
- CounterKulture Sound Camp
(8) Parking & Camping Areas:
- Day Parking
- CounterKulture Sound Camp Car Camping
- Car Camping (General)
- GA Shade Camping
- VIP Shade Camping
- Shade Camp Parking
- Upgraded Campsites
- RV Pass Camping
Other Attractions:
- Helicopter Rides
- Shuttle to River
- Festi-Cab
- Karbach Love Street Beer Garden
- Nirvana Woodlands Art Village
- ENDo Rehab Bar
- Yoga & Workshops
- Hidden Sound Community
- Community Fire
And The Necessities:
- Medical Tent
- Information/Lost & Found
- ATM
- Accessible Camping
- Showers
- Trash Drop Off
Grab your tickets for Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain 2019 HERE: http://bit.ly/backwoods-tix
We'll see you on the mountain! 💕
Karbach Love Street Beer Garden at Backwoods 2019
We've teamed up with Karbach to bring you a very special attraction at Backwoods 2019 - The Love Street Beer Garden!
All guests can enjoy the full bar (stocked with plenty of Karbach craft beer), and all the outdoor games you could ask for 🌤🌻🏏
Our VIP ticket holders will have access to the (2) VIP lounges, VIP bathrooms, as well as discounted drinks at the bar!
Enjoy the following yard games:
- Michelob Ultra Chippo Game
- Golden Road Cornhole Boards
- Budweiser Oversized Jenga
- Bud Light Oversized Jenga
- Karbach Kan Jam
Bring your friends, sit back and relax, and enjoy some adult beverages at The Love Street Beer Garden at Backwoods 2019!
Grab your VIP tickets to Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain 2019 here: http://bit.ly/backwoods-tix
Your Daily Schedule for Backwoods 2019 is HERE!
That's right - here it is! The highly anticipated daily schedule for Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain 2019...
Thursday: Pre-Party in Full Swing!
On Thursday, we're starting the music at 6:30 PM with Moon Man over at the CounterKulture Sound Camp. We'll be getting down from then until midnight, so anyone with a Thursday Early Arrival Pass is in for a proper pre-party: 6 full hours of good music and good vibes! Yonder Mountain String Band will be closing out the Motherland Stage with a 2 HOUR set. Who knows, maybe Yonder will show up somewhere else Thursday night... 🤔 Remember, you need a Thursday Early Arrival Pass in addition to your standard weekend ticket to attend the festival Thursday night, so if you don't have yours yet, click here to scoop one.
Friday: The Madness Begins
Friday we're starting the day off at 10:30 AM with our Battle For Backwoods contest winners at the Globe Theater and Aqua Station. The Motherland stage will be kicking off with Linear Symmetry at 5:00 PM. With Aqueous, EOTO, Lettuce, and Umphrey's McGee following until 2:30 AM, it's guaranteed to be a funky good time 🎸 AND THE MUSIC IS GOING UNTIL 7:15 AM! Yheti will be proving us for a 2.5 HOUR sunrise set over at the Aqua Station... you can't miss it.
Saturday: Aliens Invade Backwoods 🌀_🌀
On Saturday, again we're kicking things at 10:30 AM off with the Battle For Backwoods contest winners at the Globe Theater and Aqua Station. REZZ will be closing out the Motherland Stage at 1:00 AM, and for all the REAL late-night partiers, we'll be doing a Sunday Sunrise Disco Sermon from 7:00 AM-9:00 AM... Space Jesus will be throwing down two sets: one at the Motherland Stage, and an after hours set at the Aqua Station. Lots of experimental bass acts playing on Saturday, with plenty of funk and jam too... we can't wait.
Sunday: We're Not Done Yet!
Sunday's music won't start until 11:15 AM, so enjoy those 45 extra minutes of sleep... you'll need it because we're still going until 5:15 AM! The CounterKulture Sound Camp, Globe Theater, and Aqua Station will be going into the early-morning hours with Ziim, Glass Cannon, and Homemade Spaceship. Special sets to point out: "Keller Williams Grateful Grass" (interpretations of Grateful Dead songs done in a bluegrass style) with the Infamous String Dusters at the Motherland Stage at 9:30 PM (Keller's second appearance of the night). G Jones and Zeds Dead will be following afterwards to close out the Motherland Stage Sunday night... it's going to be heavy.
TICKET PRICES INCREASE TOMORROW (5/1):
- WE know you're going
- YOU know you're going
- All of your friends know you're going too...
GRAB YOUR TICKET TODAY: http://bit.ly/backwoods-tix
We'll see you on the mountain!
Shuttle Buses Confirmed to Mulberry River!
BIG NEWS!
We are very excited to announce that we will be providing our attendees this year with shuttle transportation to Mulberry River!
Mulberry River, located at the base of Mulberry Mountain, is a 70-mile long tributary. The water quality is excellent, and it is a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing.
Attendees at Backwoods this year can hop on the shuttle bus and spend a few hours at Mulberry river (don't stay too long though... you don't want to miss out on all of the music 😎)
There will be a designated shuttle tent on the festival grounds for pick up/drop off. The shuttle will be transporting passengers daily from 11 AM - 4 PM.
TICKET PRICES INCREASE MAY 1ST!
Grab those tickets NOW: http://bit.ly/backwoods-tix